Welcome back to another edition of That's a Rap, the regular feature in which we spotlight some solid tracks from the Colorado hip-hop scene. This week, we've got another a fresh batch of homegrown hip-hop for you, including new cuts from Young Doe, DC Smiles of the Cash Addicts, Foo Man and Lkeys. Keep reading to hear what's good this week.
See also: Colorado hip-hop: That's a Rap archives
Young Doe - "Muthaf*@kn Right" The song starts, and ends, with a phone call from Young Doe's mother in which she reminisces over his childhood and the all the trouble he would get in. The beat plays off an interesting medley of choppy piano chords, abstract keys and live sounding drums, which goes well with the Biggie sampled hook. Doe's rhymes consist of insightful observations about the prison system, as well as revelations about his personal financial struggles. His voice always has a relaxing twang to it, making it hard to anticipate what he is going to rhyme with, and this is a rare quality. The song manages to be inspiring and street at the same time.
DC Smiles - "To The Top" The newest member of Cash Addicts, DC Smiles, is reaching for top here. The beat is radio-ready, layered with a melodic piano lead, beneath a myriad of abstract wind ups, laser-like synths and electronic voices. DC Smiles sounds like a higher-pitched version of Future, but he spits slightly faster. The most interesting aspect of the track is the hip-hop style cuts that are not usually associated with a trap style song. They add depth to a sure-fire club banger.
Foo Man featuring Kemale - "Come Down" The sound here is classic Houston, with a screwed and chopped chorus from the voice of Trae the Truth, and it's catchy as hell. Fans looking for hard beats and a smooth flows will find it on this track. The beat knocks hard, even if most of the rhyme patterns are typical. The charisma exuded by Foo Man on the track is the most appealing aspect. The colorful MC has a deep and identifiable voice, and the song has a natural street vibe to it.
Lkeys - "Strange" On "Strange," Lkeys hooks up with Jomeezius the Genius for a memorable track built around a sample from The Nightmare Before Christmas. The witty punchlines of Lkeys offer an interesting juxtaposition to the atypical production, which is anchored by a large horn sample and layered with a thick underlying bass line and hard kick. The song is a venture into something different for Lkeys, who does admirably well with the complex production.
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